Honestly, whenever we talk about the Met Gala, the conversation usually shifts toward the avant-garde—the giant feathered capes, the literal light-up dresses, or whatever Jared Leto decides to carry in his hand that year. But if you've been watching the carpet lately, there’s a different kind of power move happening. It’s the subtle, deliberate presence of creators like Ryan Coogler.
Most people think of Ryan Coogler as "the Black Panther guy" or the director who saved the Rocky franchise with Creed. They don't necessarily think of him as a fashion icon. But at the Ryan Coogler Met Gala appearance in 2025, he proved that you don't need to dress like a structural engineering project to make a massive statement.
The "Superfine" Shift and Why 2025 Mattered
For years, Ryan was the guy you’d see in a sharp, understated suit or a team jacket. He’s always looked "put together," sure, but the Met Gala is a different beast entirely. It’s the Super Bowl of vanity.
In May 2025, the theme was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This wasn't just another night of wearing expensive clothes; it was a deep dive into the history of the Black dandy and the aesthetics of the African diaspora. For a filmmaker who has spent his entire career exploring Black identity—from the streets of Oakland in Fruitvale Station to the Afrofuturism of Wakanda—this theme was basically his home turf.
Walking the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art alongside his wife, Zinzi Evans, Ryan didn't go for the "costume" vibe. He went for Thom Browne.
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The Thom Browne Moment
If you know fashion, you know Thom Browne is the king of the "shrunken suit." It’s a very specific, almost architectural look. Ryan showed up in a three-piece black suit that was technically perfect but felt grounded.
- The Fit: High-water trousers and a precisely cropped jacket.
- The Details: White and black brogues (very classic, very dandy).
- The Sparkle: A diamond brooch that caught the flashes of the paparazzi but didn't scream for attention.
It was dapper. It was "superfine." It was basically Ryan Coogler saying he belongs in these high-fashion spaces without having to change his DNA to fit in.
Talking Shop on the Red Carpet
What’s wild about Ryan is that even when he’s surrounded by the world’s most famous models and designers, he’s still a film nerd at heart. While other celebs were talking about who they were wearing, Ryan was on the carpet talking about his 2025 film Sinners.
I remember watching the Hollywood Reporter interview where he was literally being asked about the movie's marketing while standing in his gala gear. He was geeking out over the response to the film’s use of Kodak film.
"We had no idea it'll do what it did," he told reporters, referring to the fan hype. It’s kinda refreshing, right? He’s at the most exclusive party on the planet, and he’s genuinely just happy that people are going to the movie theater. He and Zinzi even reminisced about their first date back in 2000, which—shocker—was at a movie theater.
The Evolution: From Oakland to the Met
If you look back at the Ryan Coogler Met Gala journey, or even just his red carpet history, the growth is insane.
Back at the Black Panther premiere in 2018, the dress code was "royal attire." Ryan showed up in a black suit but accessorized with a traditional printed scarf. It was a nod to his roots and the film’s African influences. Fast forward to 2025 and 2026, and he’s being honored at the LACMA Art+Film Gala and showing up at the Golden Globes looking like a veteran statesman of cinema.
At the 2026 Golden Globes, he stayed in that high-fashion lane, rocking another sharp look while supporting his Sinners cast. He’s moved past the "new kid on the block" phase. He’s now the guy who helps set the tone for how Black men in Hollywood navigate these massive, often white-dominated spaces.
Why his style works:
- Authenticity: He never looks like the clothes are wearing him.
- Consistency: He sticks to designers who understand tailoring, like Thom Browne or Gucci.
- Partnership: He and Zinzi always coordinate without looking like a matching prom couple. It’s sophisticated.
The Reality of the "Fashion Director"
There’s this misconception that directors are supposed to be "behind the scenes" types who wear hoodies and baseball caps. Ryan has dismantled that. By showing up at the Met Gala, he’s claiming space.
He’s showing that the person behind the camera is just as much an artist as the person in front of it. When he stands next to Michael B. Jordan—who is a regular fashion heavyweight—Ryan holds his own. He’s not trying to be a model; he’s trying to be a version of himself that respects the "Superfine" tradition of those who came before him.
What's Next for Ryan's Red Carpet Run?
If you’re looking to emulate that Ryan Coogler Met Gala energy, the takeaway isn't to go buy a $5,000 suit. It’s about the "fit" and the "story."
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- Focus on tailoring: A suit that actually fits your frame is better than a designer name that’s too big.
- Use accessories as anchors: Ryan uses brooches and specific footwear to elevate a standard black suit.
- Stay grounded: Use the platform to talk about what you actually care about. For Ryan, that’s cinema and community.
Looking ahead, we’re likely to see Ryan continue this streak as Sinners keeps picking up awards. Whether he returns to the Met in 2026 or stays focused on his next project, his footprint on the stairs of the Met has already been cemented. He’s moved the needle from just being an "attendee" to being a central figure in the conversation about what modern Black style looks like in the highest echelons of society.
Actionable Insight: If you're heading to a formal event and want to channel this vibe, look for "The 1920s Dandy" references but keep the silhouette modern. Skip the standard tie for a unique lapel pin or a vintage brooch. It’s the "Ryan Coogler way" of being the most interesting person in the room without saying a word.